A RISHTON motorcyclist died instantly after colliding with a car that had pulled across his path.

An inquest heard that Scott Campbell, 35, was thrown over the car in the horrific accident at the entrance to Read Garden Centre on Whalley Road, Great Harwood.

Coroner Michael Singleton said a group of children who witnessed the accident and everyone else involved would be deeply affected by what they saw.

Mary Campbell, of Stourton Street, Rishton, told the inquest her husband had gone out for a pleasure ride on Saturday 3 May. His life came to a tragic end as he returned home just half an hour later.

Fellow biker Matthew Moseley had also been out for a ride and met Mr Campbell on the road near Gisburn. They had both stopped at the lights at Portfield Bar and as they pulled away Mr Campbell was in front.

Mr Moseley said: “As I came round the bend Scott was going down the hill and I saw a car pull across him. He didn’t try to brake or swerve to avoid it and I just can’t understand why.”

Car driver, Philip Cooper, 43, of Maple Street, Clayton-le-Moors, told the inquest he had been travelling to visit the garden centre with his wife.

He stopped in the middle of the road, indicating to turn right, and later told police he did not see the approaching motorbike.

“I’m just very, very sorry for all that happened,” said Mr Cooper, who pleaded guilty to driving without due care at Blackburn Magistrates Court last month.

He was fined £150 with £115 costs and three penalty points on his licence after the court heard he had suffered a “momentary loss of concentration”.